@#*#@ repro parts.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
@#*#@ repro parts.
I decided to fix my oil pressure gauge which was stuck at around 25. The pervious owner had added a gauge that was always in the way and hard to view. I remove that one,the center cluster and the drivers dash pad so I could replace a couple of bulbs and lube the speedo cable. Anyway I freed up the oil pressure gauge and got it working. All of the gauges had dirt around the bottom inside the face. (From a dirt road sometime in the cars life) I proceeded to gently wipe off the dirt/dust along with the word "Battery.. I learned quickly (too late) that the letters rub off with the litest touch. Anyway I screwed up the amp gauge . The repros all look wrong. The font is different, the lines are different, the attaching screws are different. I didn't buy one because It's wrong. Why would anyone got to the trouble of making a reproduction part WRONG???.I ordered a new face for the ammeter and a new clock face from corvette instrument service. I've had a few other repro parts that are just one off.. What's up with that? Sorry for the rant... I needed to vent.
[Modified by bluevetteman, 4:46 PM 7/4/2003]
[Modified by bluevetteman, 4:46 PM 7/4/2003]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: @#*#@ repro parts. (dennis-trapp)
I bought the new faces from Corvette intrument service in Palm beach Gardens FL. The gentlman is veryhelpful and they have a large variety of parts and services for Corvette intrumnets, dashes etc..
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: @#*#@ repro parts. (bluevetteman)
Your original gauges can be restored and re-faced/re-stenciled/re-lettered. Most resto shops can do this. In my neck of the woods, Corvette Specialties of Maryland, and Rick's Restorations both do this work. The repo gauges are poor at best. Check EBAY for NOS ones. Chuck
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: @#*#@ repro parts. (Chuck Gongloff)
Thanks Chuck... I've got my new faces on the way along with a odometer drive gear to fix my inoperative odometer. I only want to do this ONE time... Dash work is never easy. Unless you are an extortioist... :lolg: :lolg: :lolg:
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: @#*#@ repro parts. (bluevetteman)
Don't know why they made the "look alike" gauges the way they did. To call them "reproductions" is a stretch. Biggest difference is that the screws on the originals are at 3 and 9 o'clock, while the repro's are at 12 and 6 o'clock. Sticks out like a sore thumb when you look at them. Chuck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,157
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FLA
Re: @#*#@ repro parts. (bluevetteman)
I know what you mean about smearing the lettering on guage faces. I partially smeared my fuel guage while I was trying to clean it. I have heard that the lettering paint is supposed to be made with a type of reflective material. I don't know if this is true because I found a match for the green lettering paint and my caligraphy writing wife fixed the smeared letters with a 000 paint brush.
When you turn the guage lights on I can't see any difference between the originals and my wifes repainted letters.
When you turn the guage lights on I can't see any difference between the originals and my wifes repainted letters.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Eagle Wi
Re: @#*#@ repro parts. (bluevetteman)
I know what you mean about repro parts. I have been redoing a 77 C3 and man it appears there is just about something wrong with every repro part I have gotten.
Holes drilled out of place. Pieces too thick. Features missing like tabs that lock into other parts to hold them into place.
The one thing I have learned doing this project is you are better off using a factory original part. If it is not in good condition spend $$$ to do what you can to fix it before you buy a repro.
What's everyones experience?
Holes drilled out of place. Pieces too thick. Features missing like tabs that lock into other parts to hold them into place.
The one thing I have learned doing this project is you are better off using a factory original part. If it is not in good condition spend $$$ to do what you can to fix it before you buy a repro.
What's everyones experience?
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: CORTLANDT MANOR NY
Re: @#*#@ repro parts. (Man from Eagle)
I agree with the man from eagle I will always try to find a good used or NOS part before I try a repro. The repro's rarely look right. The only ones I have had success with is DR Rebuild's. His repro's are consistantly good quality and usually correct.
You can always return an ill prepared repro to the vendor but who pays for your time, effort, and postage?
You can always return an ill prepared repro to the vendor but who pays for your time, effort, and postage?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: @#*#@ repro parts. (bluevetteman)
Last year I purchased a fiber optic lens from a vendor of GM restoration parts. The part looked exactly correct.but..... when I installed it the light was a tiny little dot that didn't fill the lens and was very dim.. Put the old one back in after I super glued the broken mounting ear and it worked perfect. Engine data plates use the wrong font as does the A/C control panel lens. The list goes on and on. :rant:
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 2
Re: @#*#@ repro parts. (BUGGSY1970)
I agree with the man from eagle I will always try to find a good used or NOS part before I try a repro. The repro's rarely look right. The only ones I have had success with is DR Rebuild's. His repro's are consistantly good quality and usually correct.
I found out the hard way that restoring original parts is almost always the way to go. I have gotten mostly top-notch stuff from Dr. Rebuild, but I had a couple problems with his stuff too. The difference was that when I called (this was a couple years ago) I usually got him on the phone and we had a heart to heart about what was wrong with the part and how hard it was to find/buy/sell correct parts. I have heard alot of complaints about him but I got some really good NOS and repro stuff from him on my car.
Jeff
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,125
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From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Re: @#*#@ repro parts. (Man from Eagle)
I just finished replacing all the carpets in my 79 and while I was at it I replaced the three door compartment in back of the seats. The perplacement is from Dewitts and is well made, however the doors are solid wood and not like the original fiberglas doors that came with the car. You never know if the repo part is going to match like the original or not. :confused:
